Little is known about Warner Bros' upcoming musical prequel to Willy Wonka. Beyond little tidbits about who's in the cast and set photos dotted across the Internet, there is little tangible information as to what the film is actually about. Despite the lack of information, general reactions to the project have been mixed. After a beloved version of the character played by Gene Wilder and another version played by Johnny Depp being relatively popular among kids born in the early 2000s, many individuals wonder what Wonka could bring to the table without feeling redundant. Additionally, Hollywood has a track record of green-lighting cash-grab projects meant solely to capitalize on a recognizable or intellectual property (IP).
However, there is reason to believe that Wonka is not such a project and to have faith in the Timothée Chalamet-starring picture. That reason lies in the duo who make up the writing and directing team for this film. Wonka will be brought to audiences from a screenplay by Paul King and Simon Farnaby and directed by King. If those names sound familiar, they were the names behind one of the greatest films of all time: Paddington 2.
It's rare outside of Pixar that modern family films become instant classics, but Paddington 2 is one of those films. A perfectly constructed screenplay brought to life magically by King's direction, it's one of those films that brings pure joy to anyone who sees it. It also has a steam train in it, and who doesn't love steam trains? However, one perfect film does not necessarily guarantee another, which is why it's important to make clear that Farnaby and King, whether working together or independently, have some of the best track records working in the creative industry today.
Audiences in the UK will recognize Simon Farnaby as a prominent member of the comedy group The Six Idiots, notable for their work in the popular children's show Horrible Histories and, more recently, for creating the BBC sitcom Ghosts. Farnaby is known for his strong improv and characterization, especially with his iconic portrayal of the Grim Reaper. More recently, he wrote the screenplay for The Phantom of the Open, based on the biography that he also wrote. The Phantom of the Open is a hilarious and surprisingly earnest look into a bizarre chapter in golfing history.
Paul King has also had a fantastic career. If having both Paddington films under one's belt isn't enough, his feature directorial debut was the British comedy film Bunny and the Bull, coincidentally also starring Farnaby. It's a bizarre, utterly surreal comedy where King takes advantage of his roots working on British television comedies, such as Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and The Mighty Boosh. King's identity as a director stands out on every project he works on, and it would be quite the feat for him to lose that identity now.
There is an expectation that audiences have built up in their mind whenever Hollywood announces a modern return to a familiar IP. They expect something dark, gritty, or soulless. Understandably so, as that has been the case for many modern re-imaginings of old classics. However, with the style and knack for sincere heart, wit and joy that Simon Farnaby and Paul King have built into their work, the only natural conclusion is to see that continue into Wonka. They have told some of the most fun, endearing stories in recent memory. Why wouldn't that trend continue?